The compact (cp) phenotype in cucumber is an important plant architecture-related trait with potential for breeding short-vining cucumber plants for high density planting and mechanized harvest.
Featured Articles
The CucCAP website features recently published articles from the four crop teams, (Cucumber, Melon, Squash, and Watermelon) and the Bioinformatics, Breeding, & Genomics group. Integtated crop and disease management activities, articles and reports are also featured.
CucCAP scientists use multiplex system to monitor virus threats to melon crops in California and Arizona
The Wintermantel team developed a multiplex single-step RT-PCR method to simultaneously test and differentiate among the among different viruses. Sampling of melon production regions in California and Arizona found that different combinations of viruses were dominant in fall vs. spring seasons, providing important information for disease management in areas impacted by cucurbit yellowing viruses.
CucCAP scientists genetically characterize the USDA germplasm collections for squashes and pumpkins
This article presents the analysis of genotype data generated through genotyping-by-sequencing of the USDA germplasm collections of Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, and C. maxima.
CucCAP researchers find that different downy mildew populations have different types of fungicide resistance
Genetic analyses by the Quesada laboratory at NC State found that different clades of P. cubensis vary for the predominant mutations conferring resistance. These findings of clade-specific resistances can facilitate the design of more effective fungicide programs tailored to crop and region.
Improved detection methods for CDM
CucCAP researchers develop improved detection methods for downy mildews infecting cucurbit crops. Management of cucurbit downy mildew relies on an intensive fungicide program. Timely alerts of appearance of sporangia can help growers to determine need to initiate fungicide sprays. Research by CucCAP scientists developed improved ability to detect airborne sporangia and distinguish among types that infect different kinds of crops. This improved methodology could be used as part of an advisory system to time fungicide applications to protect cucurbit crops.
CucCAP researchers assemble genomic tools to study the development of giant pumpkin fruit
Cucurbit fruits come in different shapes and sizes, controlled by genes underlying cell size and number. In a recent study, a team at West Virginia State University (WVSU) identified genetic factors underlying the giant fruit size of the mammoth group of Cucurbita maxima. The study elucidated genome diversity and identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with genes controlling fruit size. In addition to the genomic toolkit useful for breeding programs aiming at pumpkin fruit traits, this study provides insight into population differentiation and evolutionary origins of rare variants contributing to the giant fruit size of certain pumpkin varieties.
CucCAP scientists genetically map novel sources of resistance to cucurbit downy mildew in watermelon
Watermelon crops are increasingly threatened by infection by cucurbit downy mildew. While there are limited sources of disease resistance within cultivated watermelon, Citrullus amarus can be a valuable source of resistances. CucCAP scientists performed disease resistance screening and whole genome resequencing of 122 C. amarus accessions. Genome wide association analysis of these materials identified several marker-trait associations and candidate genes, providing potential resources for genomics-assisted breeding for resistance to CDM in watermelon.
Cucurbitaceae 2022 brings together international cucurbit community
The Cucurbitaceae 2022 conference was held in Naples, Florida on October 30 – November 2. The conference was organized by CucCAP co-PIs Geoffrey Meru from the University of Florida and Cecilia McGregor from the University of Georgia. Researchers and industry representatives from North America, Europe and Asia shared information about cucurbit genomics, breeding, disease resistance and cultivation. CucCAP researchers presented 28 talks and posters.
